The majority of students have been relying on online classes throughout the last few school years, and they returned this year to find one major change: online courses through NS were no longer an option for original credit this school year. 

          This decision has left many students wondering why online classes for original credit were taken away and how the change will affect them.

“[Online enrollment] kind of got out of control with students preferring to take online classes because they were, quote on quote, easier from what they can have with other teachers,” school counselor Gracie Hess said.

The total number of quarter courses online last year was over 1,600, with more than two-thirds being original credit. It became a struggle to manage this huge program.

         Although regular online classes are no longer available, students can still take classes online under certain circumstances. For example students who need to make up failed classes or students that are trying to meet a certain graduation plan may still have an option to complete coursework online. 

      “We are still offering summer school online classes and we have a list of classes that kids can just take over the summer, or if. the kids are on an early graduation plan and they want to graduate, either a semester early or a year early we still want the kids to take limited online classes to make room for more in person classes that will help them get to the point of graduation early,” Hess said. 

        Though original credit online is no longer an option through NS, students can still take classes online through the Statewide Online Education Program at no charge. Those online classes are offered through six different online schools. Students need counselor approval before signing up.For those still taking NS online for credit recovery or early graduation should understand that taking an online course to make up a failed course still requires hard work and commitment.

        "It takes a lot of hard work to go through the classes, to learn stuff online. They probably should actually pay attention to the videos and be able to answer the questions because they can't pass the test if they don’t,” Hawks            Online teacher Debbie Miller said. 

        With online classes still available in certain situations, there are both benefits and challenges for students. An online class can give a student more flexibility and another opportunity to earn the credit that they need, while for others it can make staying on track difficult. 

          “I think that it does give a lot more support to students because when they're taking online classes you don't really have a teacher right in front of you to ask questions if you need help with anything, so I feel like we can offer a lot more support,” Hess said.